Health Matters: The Vital Role of Volunteers

In just a few months the new Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida will open its doors. But first, the new building is opening doors of opportunity for the community.

Michael Settonni is often the first face patients see when they come to Health Park Medical Center. “This is the front door of the hospital and the patients that come in here, a lot of times they’re a little nervous. It’s our job to answer their questions, give them guidance, and bring them to other parts of the hospital.

It’s a job Michael does voluntarily. He’s one of thousands at Lee Health who volunteer their time. “Volunteering is a personal decision that you make to give back to your community. You feel the benefits every single day because of the people you’re helping.”

Volunteer resources supervisor, Prisca Asaro, says volunteers are vital to all four hospitals. They hold an important position that will play an even bigger role at the new Golisano Children’s Hospital. “You have a volunteer that’s going to come in and just cheer them up, sing with them, or read to them, and kind of take their mind off of whatever they’re experiencing.”

At the new hospital, volunteers will be located on every corner to guide patients and visitors. They will also be available to read or sit with the children while family members take a break. From front and center to behind the scenes, Lee Health’s volunteers are important to making the hospital experience a little less intimidating.